Here is a list of valuable ostomy resources, some suggested by our colleagues who follow Wound Care Advisor on Twitter.
United Ostomy Association of America
The United Ostomy Association of America provides comprehensive resources for patients, including information about the types of ostomies and issues related to nutrition, sexuality, and travel. Much of the information is also available in Spanish and can be downloaded for free from the website.
National Guideline Clearinghouse
Part of the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, the National Guideline Clearinghouse makes it easy for clinicians to search for evidence-based guidelines related to the care of patients with ostomies. Clinicians can also read expert commentaries, access guideline syntheses, and compare multiple guidelines to easily assess similarities and differences.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Many patients who have an ostomy do so because of cancer. It’s important that clinicians understand the treatment patients receive. One resource is the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), which has guidelines for treating various types of cancer, including colon cancer. NCCN has information for both patients and healthcare professionals, including pocket versions of the guidelines. Free registration is required to access the material.
Experts
Certified wound care nurses provide a high level of expertise that clinicians can tap into, while patients with ostomies can offer key insights and practical tips. In addition, companies that sell ostomy products often have valuable education material. n
Fairbanks Centered Services of Alaska (FCSA) operates two Youth Education Support Services (YESS) prgroams during the school year, one for elementary age children and a combined program for middle and high school age children. Both prgroams provide integrated day treatment (mental health) and education services. Admittance into the prgroams is only by referral from the Fairbanks School District. The majority of children enrolled into the prgroams have behavioral health or mental health issues that result in the children having disruptive behaviors in the public school. The YESS program relies on a low child to staff ratio, generally no greater than 3 to1, to help alter the children’s behavior so they may return back to the regular public school. Length of enrollment for each child in the program varies greatly. The maximum enrollment for each YESS program is approximately 21 children.This type of schooling might be an option for families with children who are acting out in a traditional classroom setting. While home schooling may be an option for some families, especially those who want an alternative curriculum to that selected by the Fairbanks North Star School District, this may not be an option for all parents. Not everyone (including parents) are meant to be an educational teacher, especially to a child who has behavioral and mental issues. This option might be the answer for some families.